TechDigitThe Fact Finder

The world’s seventh largest country, the Republic of India is the second most populous. The population is increasing rapidly. Every year there are over 13 millions extra people to feed, a major problem in a land where famines often occur. The diversity of languages and religions makes national unity difficult to achieve. More than 800 languages and dialects are spoken in India, although only Hindi and English are official languages. The chief religion, HINDUISM, is followed by 84 per cent of the people. Another 10 per cent are Moslems and there are sizeable groups of Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains.

There are three main land regions. The Himalayas mountain system extends along India’s northern borders. The fertile northern plains, the most thickly-populated region, are drained by the GANGES and Brahmaputra rivers. The third region is the Deccan plateau in the south. Most Indians are poor farmers. Rice is the main food crop. Cotton, jute, millet, sugar cane, tea and wheat are other important products. Mining is underdeveloped, but manufacturing is increasing. The largest cities are CALCUTTA, Bombay, Delhi and Chennai.

India with PAKISTAN and BANGLADESH, was once part of the BRITISH EMPIRE. But, in 1947, the country split into two independent nations, the mostly Hindu India, and the Moslem Pakistan. War between these two nations over Kashmir ended in 1949, with India taking two-thirds of the disputed area.

Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Idukki in the beautiful and picturesque state of Kerala. It is situated on the banks of an artificial lake – periyar lake and is near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. It is approximately 4000-5000 ft above sea-level. Here the high ranges of the Western Ghats are clothed in dense evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savannah grass lands. Below the canopy roam the elephants, tigers, gaurs, lion tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs. The greatest attraction, however, are the herds of wild elephants that come down to the play in the lake.A boat ride in the lake surrounding the sanctuary gives one an opportunity to see the animals. Though this is a man-made lake, one can see partially submerged tree-trunks in the lake. For adventurous folks, trekking into the jungle would be an exciting thing to do.

Next tourist attraction is the Mangaladevi Temple, the ruins of which whisper many secrets to the trees standing close beside it. The Palace of the former Maharaja of Travancore lies on a lake island, while his hunting lodge beside the lake is another major tourist draw owing to the intricate murals on the walls.

Union Territory of SE India; area 480 sq km/185 sq mi; population (1981) 604,000. Its capital is Pondicherry, and products include rice, groundnuts, cotton, and sugar. Pondicherry was founded by France 1674 and changed hands several times between French, Dutch and British before returned to France in 1814. Together with Karaikal, Yanam, and Mahe (on the Malabar Coast) it formed a French colony until 1954 when all were transferred to the government of India; since 1962 they have formed the Union Territory of Pondicherry. Languages spoken are French, English, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam.

Pondicherry is one of the most popular tourist spot in South India. The city has many Churches, Temples, Statues, and French Style Avenues. The most popular tourist spots in Pondicherry are The Auroville Beach, Promenade Beach, Paradise Beach, Serinity Beach and Sri Aurobindo Ashram.

Jog falls, a major attraction in Karnataka, is one of the highest and the best waterfalls in India. Created by Sharavathi River, Jog Falls is also known by alternative names Jogada Gundi, Gersoppa Falls and Gerusoppe Falls.

It is located in the thick evergreen forest of Shimoga District of Karnataka, 104 km from Shimoga. The best time to visit is between the months of August and December. Falls pour from a height of 253 meters in 4 magnificent tracks namely Raja, Roarer, Rocket and Rani. During the monsoon, the falls are hidden by mist giving a very pleasant sight with lush green surroundings. This place is connected by road and rail and a number of private and government buses from Shimoga to Jog Falls. Nearby the falls, there is Linganmakki Dam across Sharavathi River which is being used for the generation of electricity.

For a pleasant beautiful experience, this place is worth a visit!